Technology Designed to Reduce Drunk Driving Fatalities | Electronics Maker

It is a sad statistic that 28 people die in drunk driving crashes every day. Fortunately, there is tech out there that can help to reduce these fatalities around the country by stopping drunk drivers.

Ignition Interlock Device

The ignition interlock device already exists and involves a breathalyzer. The device will test the breath before the driver is allowed to drive. If the test has a result over the limit for the breathalyzer, the car will not start.

This technology is not implemented everywhere. In the states that use the interlock device, it is for those with a limited or restricted driving privilege. The device may also be required as part of a court sentencing or after being advised by a board.

For the ignition interlock device, there are options to disguise the interlock. There is one disguise that makes the breathalyzer look like a beverage cup. The disguise can also protect the interlock device. The disguises can be made of various materials. One cost-efficient way that these can be made is with 3D printing. Manufacturers that utilize 3D printing in production nearly doubled from 2018 at 21% to 2019 at 40%.

With the ignition interlock device, it is estimated that drunk driving fatalities would be reduced by one-fourth or more, which would save more than 9,000 people per year.

For this technology to be widely successful, a federal mandate would need to be put into place. The interlock device is not yet required in each state around the country.

Potential Future Technology

There are also ideas that Nissan has featured in a concept car. In the concept, they mentioned alcohol odor sensors. One sensor would be built into the transmission knob to test whether there is alcohol in the sweat on a person’s palm. If it detects alcohol, it will immobilize the car and an alert will be issued. The concept also mentioned alcohol odor detectors in the seats to detect alcohol in the air of the car. There would be a voice and message alert for this.

Utilizing Existing Tech To Avoid Driving Fatalities

Other technology is also used that organizations, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, believe should be utilized to avoid drunk driving fatalities. Autonomous driving technology is something they believe should be implemented and made more widely available to increase safety.

Other technology that monitors whether the driver is distracted or seems tired is something else that organizations believe can assist in preventing drunk driving fatalities.

Combining the technologies is one way to ensure that drunk driving fatalities are decreased.

In Maryland, adults 21 and over can receive a DUI charge for having a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above. This is the same for other states as well. In those under the age of 21, the legal limit is lower and can be within 0.00 and 0.02.

Driving while impaired does not only include drunk driving but can also include driving after taking a medication or while on illegal drugs. Various medications like methadone can impair driving. There were 750,000 prescriptions for methadone written to relieve pain in 2008.

Impaired driving as a whole is incredibly dangerous and is a leading cause of fatal vehicle accidents.

Driving while impaired is not only fatal to the drivers but tends to be more fatal toward other drivers and pedestrians. With legislation that requires drunk driving prevention, there would be a large decrease in fatalities due to drunk driving.

With an increase of preventative technology, these fatal accidents can be avoided.